2022 NFL Futures Betting: Five Best Value Picks for Offensive Rookie of the Year

NFL rookies are in the thick of things now, with offseason football work in full swing. Some will make quick impacts in the fall while others will take longer to develop.

DraftKings has unveiled its odds for Rookie of the Year, and here are the five players on offense that I believe are the best value wagers to win the hardware. Odds as of May 25.

And in case you missed it, here are my five favorite bets for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Without further ado:

5. QB Matt Corral, Panthers

Rookie of the Year odds: +1800

It is common for quarterbacks to win this award because they have such an outsized impact on the game, but it’s hard to know which signal-callers will get playing time in 2022. Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett was the only first-round pick among quarterbacks and is the favorite to win Rookie of the Year at +500. Those odds are too steep to me. The better value is Corral, who could very well start at some point provided Sam Darnold doesn’t have a mid-career resurgence. Corral was a third-round pick and there is no guarantee he plays capably, but it’s a risk worth taking at these odds.

4. WR Drake London, Falcons

Rookie of the Year odds: +800

Among the group of favorites, this feels like the best bet. London was the first skill player chosen, yet he is only tied for the third-best OROY odds with Green Bay receiver Christian Watson, a second-round selection. London has a clear path to targets, as only tight end Kyle Pitts should see a comparable amount of passes. London’s jump-ball skills and huge catch radius should help him catch contested balls as a rookie, and the numbers could end up impressive enough to garner Rookie of the Year.

3. RB Brian Robinson, Jr., Commanders

Rookie of the Year odds: +10000

Robinson does not have a clear path to regular touches in Washington, at least not right now. Antonio Gibson is the early-down back, but he does have a history of fumbles. If Gibson’s turnovers continue, or if he gets hurt, Robinson will suddenly be primed for a big role. The touchdown numbers could be gaudy for Robinson, who is a natural red zone threat, and if he gets enough carries to rack up some nice rushing totals, he could all of a sudden be in the mix for Rookie of the Year. Running backs have won four of the last nine Offensive Rookie of the Year awards, which makes this longshot wager an attractive one.

2. WR Wan’Dale Robinson, Giants

Rookie of the Year odds: +7000

There have been rave reviews early on for Robinson, who is reportedly developing a quick chemistry with quarterback Daniel Jones. Last year’s first-round pick, Kadarius Toney, just had surgery and has been in the doghouse in New York. The new regime drafted Robinson and has interest in him succeeding. His jitterbug ability could translate quickly, making this longshot wager one that could hit with a little bit of luck.

1. RB James Cook, Bills

Rookie of the Year odds: +1400

It’s not often a late second-round pick will usurp all the players ahead of him to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, but I wouldn’t be surprised at all if it happened this season. Cook could begin the season as the No. 2 running back in Buffalo behind Devin Singletary. He is a big-play threat on the ground and can be a mismatch in the receiving game. 

If Cook catches on quickly and earns substantial playing time, he is in an ideal situation. The Bills have a supercharged offense and will be winning the majority of their games, which means he should get a decent amount of touches. It would not be a surprise to see Cook put up gaudy yards-per-carry numbers, and if he makes an impact in the receiving game, the statistics will look good. This is my favorite Rookie of the Year pick based on the situation and the current betting odds.